In a bid to combat the Coronavirus pandemic pandemic, the Electoral Commission has now recommended that London’s upcoming mayoral election be postponed highlighting that there are “real risks” to holding elections in May.
The announcement cam as the number of Coronavirus cases in the UK climbed to nearly 900 and a day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that people should be prepared to lose their loved ones ahead of their time.
Now as health experts and community groups combat community transmission, the Commission has recommended that the vote be postponed until the autumn due to the "unprecedented times" surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. Mayoral, council and police and crime commissioner candidates are all due to contest an election on May 7. Welcoming this decision, Liberal Democrat candidate Siobhan Benita commented,
"These are unprecedented times which require unprecedented action. Nobody would have wished the postponement of these elections in these circumstances.
"I respect the Government's decision to delay and I will continue to follow the expert advice as the situation progresses.
"I have already offered my personal and party support to Sadiq over the coming months. Supporting the most vulnerable during this period is crucial and I would encourage Londoners that are able to help to look out for their friends, family and neighbours at this time.”
Independent London mayoral candidate Rory Stewart welcomed the decision tweeting,
"This is a sensible recommendation in the circumstances, and I welcome it. Ultimately the decision is in the Government's hands, so we await confirmation."
In the meantime, Labour MP for Feltham and Heston tweeted how elections need to be postponed at a time when voters may be under tremendous pressure to go and cast their vote amidst Covid-19 breakout. Replying to the Election Commission, Seema Malhotra MP tweeted,
“This is hugely important and significant. It is crucial that candidates, voters and local authorities aren’t put under undue pressue for something that can be delayed. Elections were rightly delayed for foot and mouth disease. Covid-19 is worse.”
A latest YouGov poll of 1000 surveyors highlighted that the sitting Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan already had a two-to-one majority over his Tory counterpart Shaun Bailey and is standing at 49% vote share, standing four points ahead of Bailey.
